Manhunt Hub

A judge in the Florida Keys said his recent decision to retire early came after a number of media outlets began posting stories and information about his Manhunt profile – a move the judge called an “inappropriate invasion of my privacy.”

Judge David Audlin announced in April that he was retiring with four years left on his term. Friday was the Monroe County chief circuit judge's last day.

A blogger found a profile for Audlin in January on Manhunt, a website that bills itself as the world's biggest gay hookup site, The Miami Herald reported. The next day a website called Above the Law posted a story about the blog.

Audlin, 56, did nothing illegal and no one has called on him to resign. But Audlin said after contemplating the matter for several months he decided to return to private practice.

"I'm looking forward to my constitutional rights being restored — my right to privacy and to be left alone in my private life," he said Friday.

Audlin [pictured far right below] said he has never tried to hide his sexuality.

Audlin contended that a judge’s personal life should be kept off limits if it does not interfere with his ability to be a good judge, be fair to people and have a proper, professional demeanor. “I think some people look at a gay judge’s personal life as being interesting or salacious. I suppose it’s the times we live in. This whole matter has nothing to do with my service to the people or my work as a judge.”

The comments under the postings about Audlin’s profile, which included his sexual preference and size of his genitalia, were mostly negative. And while Audlin repeated that his profile was supposed to remain on the private site, he added: “I don’t think to gay people it was unusual or extreme. I guess it’s offensive to others with more conservative, religious beliefs. I get that.”

The Keys law community has had nothing but good things to say publicly about Audlin as a judge and person since he announced his retirement.

During his eight-year tenure, Audlin’s most significant decision came in 2008, when he ruled that the 1977 ban on adoption by gays and lesbians was unconstitutional.

Last month, the Boston Herald reported (the article is now archived but here's a duplicate) that John McCain had returned a $2,300 donation from Jonathan Crutchley, the former Chairman of the nation's largest gay sex hook-up website Manhunt.

Manhunt co-founder Larry Basile, told the Herald that Crutchley was informed the money would be returned. Said Basile: "Politically, it was just off-base, with the whole feeling over here at Manhunt. Boy, was I embarrassed when I found out he gave $2,300. [Crutchley] said, 'If John is too good for my money, I’ll give it to (presumptive Democratic nominee) Barack (Obama).'"

Crutchley was forced to step down from the board of the company, which OUT magazine reported pulls in $30 million a year from its mostly gay members, after news of the donation was revealed. Larry Basile, Manhunt's co-founder, released a statement saying that the "entire board was in disbelief" that Crutchley made the donation.

I received this statement made by founder Larry Basile (above, left) in my inbox late yesterday from an anonymous source at Manhunt and called Manhunt which confirmed its legitimacy. Please read the statement below:

***STATEMENT from LARRY BASILE

"There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the NGLTF.

"I was arrested at the Supreme Court and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet to be reported. The hat and t-shirt I wear say 'Obama for President', as does the sign in front of my house. I refuse to live in a country that is so marred by war and hate. To me, Barak (sic) is by far the best candidate, probably better than we deserve.

"It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.

"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman. Sincerely, Larry Basile."

***END***

One last note: We never referred to Basile as a Republican. Also, though Crutchley has stepped down from the board, as far as we know he's still collecting money from thousands of gays and donating it to a presidential candidate who would deny them status as equal citizens.